Playoff standings: Resetting the postseason races after the trade deadline

Your support enables The Independent to cover important stories like reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech, ensuring accurate reporting and in-depth investigations. Donations help fund journalists on the ground, providing balanced coverage across the political spectrum without paywalls. The passing of Olympic boxing champion Dick McTaggart at 89 has led to tributes for his remarkable career, including winning a gold medal at the 1956 Olympics, three Olympic appearances, Commonwealth Games success, and induction into...

Fantasy analyst Matt Harmon breaks down the major free agency deals in the NFL, including Aaron Jones Sr. re-signing with the Vikings, Davante Adams joining the Rams, Zach Ertz staying with the Commanders, Ronnie Stanley extending with the Ravens, Hollywood Brown re-signing with the Chiefs, and Mike Gesicki staying with the Bengals. Harmon provides analysis on each move and discusses the potential fantasy football impact of these transactions. Full Article

Eric Karabell, a senior writer for fantasy sports at ESPN and FSWA Hall of Fame charter member, shares bold predictions for the 2025 MLB season, including players like Jordan Lawlar, Adrian Del Castillo, and Merrill Kelly making standout performances for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He also forecasts surprises for teams like the Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Miami Marlins, highlighting potential breakout players, statistical achievements, and team outcomes for...

In the latest round of MLB franchise rankings, the scoring system covers the past 25 years, with points awarded for various postseason achievements and docked for consecutive seasons of 90 losses. The Pirates and Orioles rank low due to limited playoff appearances and prolonged losing streaks, while the Reds and Mariners face challenges but show potential for improvement. The Rockies' 2007 World Series appearance gives them a slight edge over the Mariners in the rankings....

Sarah Barshop reports that the Los Angeles Rams solidified their offense for the 2025 season by agreeing to a two-year, $46 million contract with wide receiver Davante Adams, adding to an already strong roster led by quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Rams, who won the NFC West in 2024, also retained key defensive players and made strategic moves in free agency to bolster their team. With Adams' consistent performance and red zone success, the Rams are...

Wales will be without star players Sisilia Tuipulotu and Alex Callender for a "very competitive" game against Scotland in Edinburgh, with coach Lynn expecting a tough match as a preview for their upcoming Rugby World Cup encounter. Lynn trusts his team's ability to compete and hinted at a more varied style of play under his management, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, set pieces, and ball movement to the edges to showcase their athleticism and hard...